Diploma of Community Services (Alcohol, other drugs and mental health)

This qualification applies to workers providing services to clients in relation to mental health and alcohol and other drugs issues.

The qualification:

Includes counselling, referral, advocacy and education/health promotion services

Requires high level specialist knowledge, skills and competencies especially in regard to laws affecting clients, the range of services available to them and health issues related to mental health issues and alcohol and drug use and misuse.

Occupational titles may include:

Alcohol and drugs worker

Mental health outreach worker

Community rehabilitation and support worker

Mental health rehabilitation support worker

Community support worker

Mental health support worker

Mental health community worker


Subjects

PACKAGING RULES

19 units are required for award of this qualification including:

All 19 core units

Alternatively, candidates who have already completed requirements for one of the two diploma level qualifications (CHC50208 or CHC50308) may convert their qualification to the CHC50408 Diploma of Community Services (Alcohol, other drugs and mental health) by completing the electives identified for the 'other' specialisation as outlined below.

Those holding CHC50208 Diploma of Community Services (Alcohol and other drugs) may convert their qualification to CHC50408 Diploma of Community Services (Alcohol, other drugs and mental health) by completing the electives identified for the mental health specialisation.

Those holding CHC50308 Diploma of Community Services (Mental health) may convert their qualification to CHC50408 Diploma of Community Services (Alcohol, other drugs and mental health) by completing the electives identified for the alcohol and other drugs specialisation.

Core units

add topic CHCAD504A Provide advocacy and representation services

add topic CHCAOD402B Work effectively in the alcohol and other drugs sector

add topic CHCAOD510A Work effectively with clients with complex alcohol and/or other drugs issues

add topic CHCAOD511B Provide advanced interventions to meet the needs of clients with alcohol and/or other drug issues

add topic CHCAOD512A Develop and implement a behaviour response plan (Note pre-requisite CHCICS305A )

add topic CHCAOD513A Provide relapse prevention strategies

add topic CHCCOM403A Use targeted communication skills to build relationships

add topic CHCCS504A Provide services to clients with complex needs

add topic CHCCW503A Work intensively with clients

add topic CHCMH401A Work effectively in mental health settings

add topic CHCMH402A Apply understanding of mental health issues and recovery processes

add topic CHCMH404A Conduct assessment and planning as part of the recovery process

add topic CHCMH409A Facilitate consumer, family and carer participation in the recovery process

add topic CHCMH501A Provide advanced supports to facilitate recovery

add topic CHCMH504D Provide a range of services to people with mental health issues

add topic CHCORG428A Reflect on and improve own professional practice

add topic CHCPOL501A Access evidence and apply in practice

add topic CHCPROM503A Provide community focused promotion and prevention strategies

add topic HLTOHS401A Maintain workplace OHS processes

The importance of culturally aware and respectful practice

All workers undertaking mental health and/or alcohol and other drugs work need foundation knowledge to inform their work with Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander clients and co-workers and with clients and co-workers from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. This foundation must be provided and assessed as part of a holistic approach to delivery and assessment of this qualification. Specific guidelines for assessment of this aspect of competency are provided in the Assessment Guidelines for the Community Services Training Package.

Conversion option

Mental health specialisation

Candidates who have already completed CHC50208 Diploma of Community Services (Alcohol and other drugs) must select the following units to convert their qualification to the CHC50408 Diploma of Community Services (Alcohol, other drugs and mental health).

add topic CHCMH401A Work effectively in mental health settings

add topic CHCMH402A Apply understanding of mental health issues and recovery processes

add topic CHCMH404A Conduct assessment and planning as part of the recovery process

add topic CHCMH409A Facilitate consumer, family and carer participation in the recovery process

add topic CHCMH501A Provide advanced supports to facilitate recovery

add topic CHCPROM503A Provide community focused promotion and prevention strategies

Alcohol and other drugs specialisation

Candidates who have already completed CHC50308 Diploma of Community Services (Mental health) must select the following units to convert their qualification to the CHC50408 Diploma of Community Services (Alcohol, other drugs and mental health).

add topic CHCAOD402B Work effectively in the alcohol and other drugs sector

add topic CHCAOD511B Provide advanced interventions to meet the needs of clients with alcohol and/or other drug issues

add topic CHCAOD512A Develop and implement a behaviour response plan (Note pre-requisite CHCICS305A )

add topic CHCAOD513A Provide relapse prevention strategies

add topic CHCMH504D Provide a range of services to people with mental health issues

add topic CHCPROM503A Provide community focused promotion and prevention strategies

Oral health

add topic CHCOHC401A Inform and encourage clients and groups to understand and achieve good oral health

add topic CHCOHC402A Support and encourage clients and groups to learn practical aspects of oral health care

add topic CHCOHC404A Recognise and respond to signs and symptoms that may indicate oral health issues


Pathways...

    Not Applicable


Entry Requirements

Entry requirements

To gain entry into this qualification a candidate must:

1. Be recently appointed or currently working in a community support mental health and/or alcohol and other drugs work role and have a relevant recognised higher education or vocational education qualification at Certificate IV or above

OR

2. Be recognised as competent, through a recognised training program or recognition process, against the core units of competency from one of the following qualifications (or equivalent):

Certificate IV in Mental Health

Certificate IV in Alcohol and Other Drugs

OR

3. Have sufficient work experience in the relevant sector to indicate likely success at this level of qualification in a job role involving:

The application of knowledge with depth in some areas and demonstration of a broad range of technical and other skills

A wide range of tasks and roles in a variety of contexts, with complexity in the range and choices of actions required

The exercise of discretionary judgement and decision making under general guidance


Licensing Information

Not Applicable


Employability Skills

Refer to the Topic: Introduction to the Employability Skills Qualification Summaries